Grandparent's Day, 2005

   The following reviews were presented in our 2005 Grandparent's Day feature.

Reviews

41 Uses for a Grandma
Harriet Ziefert
Illustrated by Amanda Haley
   With age may come wisdom and a wide range of skills, according to 41 Uses for a Grandma. Author Harriet Ziefert lists all the things that grandmothers can do, from being a jewelry box to a keeper of secrets to a beach towel rack. Amanda Haley's watercolor cartoons humorously portray each function. For example, "17. coatroom" shows long-suffering grandma piled high with kids' coats whereas "33. history teacher" reveals a lively lady flashing old photos at bored kids. Especially reflective of grandmother's special role is "14. someone to love you when others may not." Here an older woman comforts a bawling, milk-spilling child while other family members look on with annoyance, embarrassment and, in the case of an older sibling, disgust. Readers young and old will have fun choosing their favorites. 2005, Blue Apple, $12.95. Ages all. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-59354-070-1

All the Places to Love
Patricia MacLachlan
Paintings by Mike Wimmer
   MacLachlan's picture book presents a reassuring and poetic vision of the idyllic rural places that are important to a small boy because they have touched his life and comforted him. One of the most powerful scenes is the one where his grandfather carves the names of newly born in the barn rafters. 1994, HarperCollins, $15.00 and $14.89. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Susie Wilde (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 1997; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
   Booklist Book Review Stars, June 1994; United States
   Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
   Lasting Connections, 1994; American Library Association; United States
   Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, 1995; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
   Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, March 1994; Cahners; United States
   Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
   Teachers' Choices, 1995; International Reading Association; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
   ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award Winner 1995 Picture Books United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
   Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 1996; Nominee; Kentucky
   Michigan Reader's Choice Award, 1997; Nominee; Grades Pre-K - 2; Michigan
ISBN: 0060210982
ISBN: 0060210990

An Alien in My House
Shenaaz G. Nanji
Illustrated by Chum McLeod
   To Ben, his grandfather is an alien whose hair and teeth come out, and who has invaded his house. To "the Alien," (i.e. grandfather) the house he has moved into has a "Monster" in it. The misunderstandings go back and forth, with both humor and bits of truth in their descriptions and perceptions of each other. Ben thinks the computer in the Alien's head has crashed; the Alien is sure the wires in the Monster's head are crossed. But eventually, Ben finds that he wants the Alien to stay; and the Alien wants to stay as well. For they have become "best buddies," while Ben has realized that he will be an Alien some day, and Grandpa sighs, remembering that he was once a Monster himself. Just a few props and simple settings are needed to visualize in full-page scenes the evolution of this intergenerational friendship. Stylistically modern, with toy-like buildings, odd perspectives, and mannequin-like characters, the visual narrative is oddly attractive. This simply told cautionary tale could bring a few laughs along with a basis for cross-generational understanding, particularly in families where a grandparent must come to stay. 2004 (orig. 2003), Second Story Press, $11.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
   R. Ross Annett Award for Children's Literature Finalist 2005 Alberta
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
   Blue Spruce Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Grades K-3; Ontario, Canada
ISBN: 1-896764-77-0

Angelina, Star of the Show
Katharine Holabird
Illustrations by Helen Craig
   When Angelina joins her grandparents on their boat, the Jolly Rat, she is excited about planning her special dance for the Mouseland Dance Festival. But this means that she neglects what Grandma and Grandpa expect her to do, even though all paws are needed on deck to help with chores. Instead of painting the boat, she practices a dance routine and tracks footprints all over. Then, after several other mishaps, she tumbles into a can of oil and ruins her dance costume. In tears, Angelina realizes she has not been helpful, but her Grandma rescues the day by decorating an old sailor suit to replace the dance costume. Angelina reforms and becomes a real sailor, helping out with all the chores. In the evening, Grandma teaches her some favorite sailor dances, which the resourceful mouseling incorporates into her dance routine. And the crowd loves it. The book is a pleasant package--a cute story, enlivened by whimsical illustrations, which continue onto the endpapers. Teachers may incorporate this story into lessons about responsibility for very young students. 2004, Pleasant Company Publications, $12.95. Ages 3 up. Reviewer: Ravay Snow-Renner, Ph. D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1584859032

April Foolishness
Teresa Bateman
Illustrations by Nadine Bernard Westcott
   As the title implies, this delightful story centers around an April Fool's Day stunt at grandma and grandpa's farm while their grandchildren are visiting for the day. One bright and sunny morning while grandpa is making his breakfast and grandma is getting dressed, this peaceful farm turns wild. Or does it? Lively, fun, and seemingly familiar, this crazy morning at grandma and grandpa's will make you feel like you are in on the trick and part of the family. The illustrations are colorful and imaginative, and they do a wonderful job of capturing the events that are taking place on the farm. You will laugh at the pigs all rolling in the tomatoes and at the sheep all lounging on the neighbor's patio furniture, and you'll wonder what is real and what is not. Children and parents will get a lot of mileage out of this story all year round. 2004, Albert Whitman & Company, $15.95. Ages 6 up. Reviewer: Sheree Van Vreede (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
   Best Booklist Book Review Stars , Nov. 15, 2004; United States Editors' Choice, 2004; American Library Association Booklist; United States
ISBN: 0807504041

Bigmama's
Donald Crews
   The family is heading out for its annual summer trip to Bigmama's. The name honors her place in the family as a grandmother, not her size. The farm, which is set in Cottondale somewhere in the south, has no running water or air conditioning. The kids hunt for eggs, dig worms for fishing, and have a great time. The best part of all is the evenings when the extended family gathers together to catch up on their respective lives and to enjoy each others company. It is a celebration of a quieter time, and a celebration of family. 1998 (orig. 1991), Greenwillow, $16.00, $15.93 and $4.95. Ages 5 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Booklist Book Review Stars, Nov. 15, 1991; United States
   Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6, Tenth Edition, 1993; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
   Best First Novels for Youth, 1991; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
   Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
   Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 1991; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
   Kaleidoscope, A Multicultural Booklist for Grades K-8, 1994; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
   Kirkus Book Review Stars, 1991; United States
   Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
   Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 1993; Nominee; Kentucky
ISBN: 0688099505
ISBN: 0688099513

Dancing Granny
Elizabeth Winthrop
Illustrated by Salvatore Murdocca
   A little red-haired girl invites her granny to the zoo one evening. Her granny declines but the little girl won't take no for an answer. Off they go, and the animals are waiting for them at the gate. Granny dances up a storm with each and every animal and has such a good time, she dreams of returning to dance the next week. The bright and zany illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to the upbeat story in verse. The lion is dressed like Carmen Miranda and the bear is wearing tails and an "Uncle Sam" hat. This is one granny who can really "cut a rug." Readers will find giggles galore in this nighttime fantasy. 2003, Marshall Cavendish, $16.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0761451412

Don't Tell the Girls: A Family Memoir
Patricia Reilly Giff
   In this celebration of family connection across generations, Giff shares stories and photographs of both her grandmothers--Nana, full of laughter, who understood her better than anyone else, and Grandma Jennie, who died before Giff was born. At first, this feels a bit like being invited over to a casual acquaintance's house and being asked to look at box after box of pictures of other people's relatives. But the stories become increasingly compelling in their own right--most centrally, two-year-old Jennie arriving in America from Ireland with her mother and eleven siblings, to find that her supposedly waiting father, Michael, had disappeared without a trace. Giff's hunger to discover and stitch together pieces of her past is remarkably contagious. We join her in eagerly in poring over microfilmed newspapers from Jennie's tenth birthday, in searching New York City directories from the 1880s for listings for Jennie's parents, in studying maps of Ireland to determine the port from which they would have sailed, and in hunting unsuccessfully through ships' passenger lists for further clues. Her final pilgrimage to Ireland to visit Jennie's childhood home--and to learn at last the real, tragic story of Michael's disappearance--is extremely moving; after all, as Giff writes, she is alive today because of these people. As Giff begins to share these stories with her own seven grandchildren, readers may well find themselves wiping streaming eyes and vowing to uncover and cherish their own fascinating family legacy. 2005, Holiday House, $16.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Claudia Mills, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0823418138

Faraway Grandpa
Roberta Karim
Illustrated by Ted Rand
   When Grandpa starts forgetting that root beer floats need his homemade ice cream, his granddaughter sings "Danny Boy" with him to help him remember what's important. They sing and listen to the song with their hearts and not their ears. In true Irish fashion, Grandpa makes up rhymes, loves shenanigans, and plays with his granddaughter Kathleen every August when she visits. He builds her a doll house and carves two hearts and a tiny swing on the front porch. Then he moves in with his daughter, because he's forgetting too much. Karim injects levity into this emotional subject when the now close Grandpa promises not to pick Mrs. McConacky's marigolds but forgets the gist of the promise and picks Mrs. McC's petunias instead. When the shadowy days happen, Kathleen sings "Danny Boy" with Grandpa, and reminds all with or without Irish blood to listen with their hearts. Faraway Grandpa gives us a glimpse into the spirit of the Irish through Karim's rich melodic text. Although Ted Rand's illustrations are masterful, his grandpa looks closer to Saint Nick than an elderly Irish gentleman. 2004, Henry Holt & Co, $17.00. Ages 4 up. Reviewer: Sue Stefurak (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 080506785X

Gramps and the Fire Dragon
Bethany Roberts
Illustrated by Melissa Iwai
   Not sleepy, Gramps and Jesse rock in front of a fire in the fireplace. Gramps gets their imaginations started, when he sees an apple tree. After this there is a lot to see, both beautiful and scary. They escape from the fire dragon the same way they discovered him: through using their imagination. Up a tree, off in a hot air balloon, down a mountain, through a jungle, across a wide river, down a dark tunnel, until the dragon gets too close to Gramps. Jesse saves him with a fire truck and a hose which makes the dragon smaller and smaller, until only embers remain. And they rock until they fall asleep together. This book could be a springboard for adventures other grandpas and grandkids might have. 2000, Clarion Books, $15.00. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Margarette Reid (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Children's Choices, 2001; International Reading Association; United States
ISBN: 0395698499

Grams, Her Boyfriend, My Family, and Me
Pat Derby
   It's an old story in young-adult fiction: two people fall in love and want to marry, despite their families' objections. But in Pat Derby's new novel, the star-crossed lovers are in their seventies! Fifteen-year-old Andy tries to stay out of the conflict when his father disapproves of Gram's new boyfriend, Harold. But it's hard to maintain his usual policy of non-involvement in family matters. Life has already gotten more complicated since Andy's mother got a job, forcing Andy and his sisters to do more around the house. Then Gram moves in with the family and falls in love with Harold. When Pop's objections cause her to break off her engagement, Andy knows he must jump into the fray and work with his sisters to save their grandmother's chance at happiness. Along the way, he learns more about his family and his special place in it. Andy's fresh voice and his wacky but realistic family make this book a fun read. 1997 (orig. 1993), Farrar, $16.00 and $5.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Catherine Petrini (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, January 1994; Cahners; United States
   School Library Journal Book Review Stars, November 1994; Cahners; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
   Prairie Pasque Award, 1997; Nominee; South Dakota
   South Carolina Book Awards, 1997; Nominee; Junior Book; South Carolina
ISBN: 0-374-38131-3
ISBN: 0-374-42790-9

Grandfather and I
Helen E. Buckley
Illustrated by Jan Ormerod
   In contrast to mothers, fathers, and older siblings, this warm, simple picture book shows how with Grandfather, the young protagonist never hurries, but is able to "walk along and walk along and stop...and look..." just as he likes. Endearing watercolors showing a young African-American boy enjoying nature with his grandfather, paired with a brief, repetitive text, make this book a good choice for pre-school/toddler story times, as well as individual sharing. 1994, HarperTrophy, $16.00 and $5.95. Ages 2 to 7. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Children's Books on Aging, 2004; ALSC American Library Association; United States
   Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
   Fighting Bigotry with Books, 1998; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 0688125336
ISBN: 0688125344

Grandma Elephant's in Charge
Martin Jenkins
Illustrated by Ivan Bates
   Simple, basic information about the lives of elephants is presented in large type, with a focus youngsters can relate to. For it is the "grandma" elephant who keeps the family together. She knows where to go for food, water, and safety. She is in charge of behavior when there is any danger. Additional details on elephant behavior are added in smaller print on several pages. Bates's naturalistic, mainly double-page, muted watercolor-and-colored-pencil drawings take us though a typical day, starting at dawn on the front end-papers and ending in a twilight procession at the back. He effectively depicts the group interrelationships and the emotional bonding as they travel, particularly those of the responsible grandmother and the playful youngsters. Additional facts and an index at the end add to the usefulness of this appealing volume. 2003, Candlewick Press, $15.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).

   Here is a book that combines the best of preschool picture book with the best of easy science. The author chooses a subject about an animal family that preschoolers can relate to from their own family experiences. Elephants are almost as popular as bears with this age group. The illustrations are big, friendly, and engaging and totally accurate. Information is imparted in an informal text about life in the herd. Additional details appear in only slightly smaller type. These can be skipped for the youngest listeners or included. They do not impede the flow of the main text. The book even includes a good simple index, a nice teaching tool at this level. On top of this, grandmothers come out looking good. 2003, Candlewick Press, $15.99. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Beth Guldseth (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
   Capitol Choices, 2004; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
   The Children's Literature Choice List, 2004; Children's Literature; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
   Emphasis on Reading, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades K-1; Alabama
   Emphasis on Reading Program, 2004-2005; Book List; Grades K-1; Alabama
ISBN: 0763620742

Grandma Francisca Remembers: A Hispanic-American Family Story
Ann Morris
Photographs and illustrations by Peter Linenthal
   This warm story invites readers to learn more about the Hispanic-American culture as conveyed by eight-year-old Angelica and her grandma Francisca and the traditions they share. Angelica and Francisca's relationship is central to this story. Through their interactions, Angelica learns about her family's history, such as how and when Francisca decided to move from New Mexico to San Francisco. Angelica's knowledge of her cultural heritage also grows. She is learning to speak Spanish under her grandma's tutelage, learning to cook traditional foods such as tortillas and learning how to make the kinds of toys, such as sock dolls, that Francisca played with as a child. With a straightforward narrative, simple text, and engaging photographs, readers are drawn into the women's world. The overall value of inter-generational connections is made abundantly clear. Readers are encouraged to explore their own heritage and are offered suggestions for finding out more about their family's traditions. This book is the latest in the series, "What Was It Like, Grandma?" 2002, The Millbrook Press, $22.90. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Michele Coulombe (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0761323155

Grandma Hekmatt Remembers : An Arab-American Family Story
Ann Morris
Photographs and illustrations by Peter Linenthal
   This book is part of a warmly photographed series that takes as its premise Margaret Mead's belief that "grandmothers are the transmitters of culture." Children growing up in America learn the beliefs and traditions of their forebears from Grandmother, who in this case lives next door but frequently visits her native Egypt. The cover photograph brings you right into the heart of the family as we see Grandmother baking traditional cookies with a flour-faced little girl. The house surrounding the family is entirely American, as are the dress, toys and daily activities of the three young girls. But mother and grandmother wear hijab, the traditional Islamic head scarf. The family prays at the local mosque in New Jersey and celebrates Islamic holidays like Ramadan. There are even old family photos when Grandmother was a young girl in Egypt. The photographs are absolutely real. The story is simply told, with a single sentence on each page in large type and more details in smaller type. The story could be read to very young children just with the large type sentences. There is a brief glossary, a family tree and some suggested activities for young readers to learn about their own family history. Other titles in the series feature grandmothers who are Jewish, Hispanic, Chinese, African-American, Native American and British. It is a perfect series to reinforce the beauty of family, appreciation of the older generation, and joy in the growing diversity of American communities. 2003, Millbrook Press, $22.90. Ages 4 to 12. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0761328645

Grandma Lois Remembers: An African-American Family Story
Ann Morris
Photographs and illustrations by Peter Linenthal
   While every family has a heritage, not everyone has the opportunity to have it recorded and published in book format. Eight-year-old Erick is fortunate to have a rich culture, and now the whole world knows of it through this book in the "What Was it Like, Grandma?" series. This is Erick's story of his parents and his sister Nakia and brother Phenize. Grandparents Lois and James live nearby, but Lois is quite close and often stays over when the rest of the family is away. We feel as if we have opened someone's family album with this book. In it are family photographs and the reasons each person in Erick's family is special to him. We are also treated to a bit of history as Grandma Lois relates what it was like growing up in the south long ago. No dates are mentioned, but judging from the photographs, it would appear to have been in the 1920s. Segregation is mentioned and times were tough, but nowhere does Lois cast a negative aura on her life or present any resentment. She remembers the fun she had with her family and the many enjoyable times at church. She is now instilling those values in her children and grandchildren, and what a lasting tribute to offer. The book concludes with suggestions for children as well as adults to begin learning about their family heritage, if they haven't already. Simple activities such as verbal interviews, family albums and creating a family tree are methods of documenting a family and could easily be done with minimal supplies or experience. One could incorporate this story into a Families Unit, observing similarities and differences as well as enriching cultural knowledge of a particular ethnic group. This book expresses what a treasure families are and encourages us to preserve the uniqueness of each one. 2002, Millbrook Press, $22.90. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0761323163

Grandma's Beach
Rosalind Beardshaw
   Emily is very happy that she and her mother are going to the beach. Just as they are ready to leave, her mother receives a telephone call from her office. There will be no trip to the beach. Emily must go to her grandma's. Emily is down hearted until she arrives at grandma's house. With lots of imagination and energy, grandma creates the beach at her house. The illustrations are full of grandma's exuberance and joy as she makes everything more than all right. After all, what could be better than a day spent with grandma! Beardshaw captures a wide range of emotions in the faces of her characters. Emily's eye-catching apparel will make little girls smile: her dress is patterned with bees, and she wears a bathing suit in bee-like yellow and black stripes along with her star-shaped sunglasses. This is a good addition to stories about grandmothers and granddaughters. The short text and large illustrations make this a fine choice for storyhours. 2004 (orig. 2001), Bloomsbury Children's Books, $15.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 1582349355

Grandma's Scrapbook
Josephine Nobisso
Illustrated by Maureen Hyde
   The love of a grandparent is a wonderful gift. In this heartfelt memoir, a young girl is able to experience the love of her grandmother through the memories carefully and gently tucked away in her grandmother's scrapbook. Filled with photographs, locks of hair, pressed flowers from strolls through the gardens, and shells collected at the seashore, the scrapbook reflects the grandmother's deep love for her granddaughter. Like the little girl, the scrapbook grew over the years, with each of the special moments they shared carefully tucked between the pages. The narrative alone is so beautifully descriptive that the reader can almost taste the salt spray from the ocean or feel the grandmother's arms wrapped around her limp, sleepy body as they watch the stars from the dock of the bay. When you combine that with the expressive, colorful illustrations by Maureen Hyde, you have a real winner of a book. In a time when the emphasis is not always about family and grandparents aren't always close by, this book is especially important for keeping young children connected to their distant loved ones. Parents and children alike will find comfort in a book like this. 2000 (orig. 1990), The Gingerbread House/Simon & Schuster, $16.95 and $8.50. Ages 6 to 11. Reviewer: Emily Cook (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-940112-02-7
ISBN: 0-940112-05-1

Grandpa's Surprise
Rosalind Beardshaw
   When his friend Jake refuses to let Stanley ride his new tricycle, Grandpa takes a dejected Stanley (and Bert the dog, too) to the shed. There he finds an old wooden crate, Stanley's old stroller and several other useful items. Stanley assists his grandfather and before long they assemble a go-kart. Now Jack is jealous of Stanley's "wheels" and offers him a turn on the tricycle. Stanley thinks about it and then says no. However, he invites Jake to join his grandpa and him on the go-kart. Beardshaw has created wonderfully expressive faces on all her characters--even Bert. The rosy cheeks and dots for eyes have such a friendly look. This grandpa, who is able to make everything more than alright, is great in his purple plaid pants and colander helmet. This is a satisfying intergenerational family story as well as one about friendship. The large illustrations make it ideal for story hours. 2004, Bloomsbury, $15.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1582349347

Grandparent Poems
Compiled by John Micklos, Jr.
Illustrations by Layne Johnson
   Lucky is the child who has loving and caring grandparents. I am happy to say that I was certainly one. My grandparents were the ones who always had time to spend with me and they seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say and what I did. They were also a source of much information and many skills, such as cooking, knitting, sewing, and playing card games. They talked about things my parents did when they were my age and they were generally there when I needed to talk to adult. This collection of poems celebrates those wonderful grandparents. In a nod to modern lifestyles, there is even a new step-grandmother (a remarriage) which in this case seems to have been quite positive. The picture of her holding a fragrant blossom shows a sweet gentleness which is a real contrast to the inset on the opposing page with grandpa racing off in a red sports car. Some granddaddies serve as daddies (more than five million grandparents are raising grandchildren) and some grandparents kids will never know because they are no longer alive, but they are remembered with love. A heartwarming collection by many well know poets such as Nikki Grimes, Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Grace Nichols, Jeff Moss and Lee Bennett Hopkins and one that every grandparent will probably want to share with his or her favorite grandchild. 2004, Boyds Mills Press, $15.95. Ages 5 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
   Delaware Diamonds, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades K-2; Delaware
ISBN: 1563979004

Grandparents Are the Greatest Because
Adele Aron Greenspun & Joanie Schwarz
   Photographs show young and old multicultural grandparents interacting with their grandchildren in a variety of activities that range from participating in sports to sharing old photos, stories and meals, to visiting museums and the beach, and, of course, hugging one another. Along the bottom of each two-page spread is a phrase to complete the title sentence, such as "They tell amazing stories about the past and let you try on their memories." There is one photo per page. Within the frame around it is a quote from either a child or a grandparent, expressing his or her personal feelings. The photos have a soft, hand-tinted look. The end papers are full of a variety of names for grandma and grandpa that include other languages as well as nicknames. This picture book could be used as a discussion starter in schools for students to write what is special about their own grandparents. 2003, Dutton, $12.99. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0525471316

Grandparents Song
Sheila Hamanaka
   No children's book author/illustrator has done more to communicate appreciation for cultural diversity than Sheila Hamanaka. Here she explores one child's rich and varied ethnic heritage through a series of vibrant paintings, each photographed within a unique and strikingly carved and sculpted wooden frame. Her heroine, whose eyes are "green like the sea, like the sea" with dark hair that "blows free, blows free" tells in a simple rhyming text of her father and mother and of her paternal and maternal grandparents: Native American, Irish American, Mexican American, African American. At the end of this loving recital of her family heritage, she concludes, "From the four directions my grandparents came. Their lives are a river that flows through my veins." The beautifully varied frames for each painting reinforce on every page the central theme of the wealth offered by America's diverse cultural roots. This would work well for young children just beginning to understand the concept of family relationships and for older children tracing their own family tree. 2003, HarperCollins, $15.99. Ages All. Reviewer: Claudia Mills, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).

   A simple, poetic text blends with unusually creative illustrations to star a strong-featured girl with green eyes and a mane of wavy black hair, who joyfully celebrates her heritage of multicultural and multiethnic roots. Her mother's parents were a Native American woman who came from the west on the back of a spotted Appaloosa horse, and a red-haired, green-eyed Caucasian railroad worker from across the Atlantic. Her father's parents were a Hispanic woman who crossed the Rio Grande on the back of a black jaguar and an African-American man whose forebears were slaves. All sought a better, freer life. The girl blends all four strains, calling her eyes the sea, her bones the mountains, and her hair the trees of her native land. The paintings are bold and expressive. Each double page spread is enclosed by a different wood frame. They range from plain slabs to elaborate carvings; some decorated with beadwork, Celtic figures, or folk art sculptures. The partly rhymed text uses repetition, rhythm, and striking imagery to express its stirring message. 2003, HarperCollins, $15.99. Ages All. Reviewer: Patricia Dole (Children's Literature).

   A young girl seems to symbolize, in the variety of her ancestry, the mixture that makes the people of our country. In her brief, poetic song with repeated refrains, she tells of her mother from the West, riding an Appaloosa. She married a man from across the northern sea. Her father came from the South; his mother from across the Rio Grande. Grandma came "from the sun, from the sun," and Grandfather's people came across the sea in chains. All this is the family tree of the girl whose "eyes are green like the sea, like the sea," and whose "hair is dark and blows free, blows free." Naturalistic paintings, portraits, are presented in a variety of carved frames. Indian beadwork, a few sculptures, some dolls and calligraphy on ribbons all add to the sense of global history. As the reader repeats the "song" there is much to look at as well as think about, including one's own family tree. Sources of the items included in the illustrations are listed. 2003, HarperCollins Publishers, $15.99. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
   Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson Choices, 2004; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
   Kirkus Book Review Stars, March 1, 2003; United States
ISBN: 0688178529
ISBN: 0688178537

Grandparents' Day
Nikki Tate
Illustrations by Benoit Laverdiere
   The familial bond between young children and their grandparents is always a treasure. The bond between our young narrator and his grandmother is somewhat less than treasured, at least in the beginning. A visit to the elementary school, to participate in Grandparents' Day and to share something of significance with the young students, gives our young narrator an appreciation for the uniqueness of his grandparent. When Omi tells the class about the time she was bitten by a snake, and is even able to show the students the teeth marks on her leg, the students are both fearful and excited. Through Omi's visit, the grandson is elevated to top student in the class. This is a delightful tale of understanding and acceptance, and a great story to share with one's own grandchildren. Just be sure to have some stories of your own to share. 2004, Annick Press, $18.95. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Joyce Rice (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-55037-843-0

Grandpas Are For Finding Worms
Harriet Ziefert
Illustrated by Jennifer Plecas
   This "Lift-the-Flap" book is the perfect way to teach children what Grandpas do. The text discusses several activities that grandfathers do and know. They know about bugs, rocks, birds, and burgers. Children can do things with grandpa like talk on the phone, find wiggly worms, and play ball. Basically, the book discusses what a grandpa really is from the eyes of a child. The book teaches the children that it is fun to spend time with Grandpa. He can do many terrific things with his grandchildren. The illustrations depict several different types of grandpas with several different types of children. The text is simple and to the point, and the illustrations are perfect for the text. 2000, Puffin Books, $6.99. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewer: Nicole Peterson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0140567194

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup
Sharon Creech
   Rosie and Bailey have been friends from the time they were babies and have had the typical ups and downs that all strong friendships weather. Now, though, life seems to be getting more complicated every day. Misunderstandings arise--and always over the silliest things. Creech subtly lets the reader know that things are changing between the pair as adolescence approaches. Granny Torrelli is the insightful and ebullient grandmother who helps Rosie understand what is important in life. Everything can be resolved over a bowl of "zuppa." Creech's voice and phrasing in this book is wonderful and begs to be read aloud. The story works on two levels--a strong intergenerational theme and the importance of maintaining a friendship, no matter what. 2003, HarperCollins, $15.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Joan Kindig, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).

   It all begins with a fight. Even the best of friends fight, and now Rosie is with Granny Torrelli talking about Bailey, her best friend, and thinking about their friendship over the years. Bits of memories flutter out onto the pages and we learn about Bailey, how he slowly grew blind and how his father left. We also read about various recent episodes when Rosie did some not-so-clever things. They were always done with the best of intentions but the results were often disastrous, and very funny. In-between the memories, Rosie and Granny Torrelli make soup and talk. Then, when the fight is over, something new develops between Rosie and Bailey. There is a new girl living on the street and soon Rosie finds that she does not like this newcomer one little bit; jealousy has reared its ugly head. So, Rosie, Bailey and Granny Torrelli make pasta and sauce and Granny Torrelli tells the best friends a story about jealousy. Then she tells them another story that changes everything. In no time at all we know Rosie and her granny very well, indeed. Rosie even tells us how Granny Torrelli pronounces things: "Zuppa! She calls it. She says it like this: Zoo-puh!" Granny Torrelli is the kind of granny we all would like to have. She sees things as they are, speaks her mind, and yet is funny at the same time. Granny sprinkles her speech with Italian as she does her cooking and tells her stories. In Granny Torrelli, Sharon Creech has created yet another one of her larger-than-life characters that we can fall in love with and want to hold on to. Told from Rosie's point of view and broken up into very short chapters, the prose in this delightful book is colloquial and personal. We are taken deep inside Rosie's feelings and thoughts, and we cannot help but grow fond of this girl who loves so hard and who is lucky enough to have so wise a grandmother. 2003, HarperCollins, $15.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Marya Jansen-Gruber (Children's Literature).

   The way Sharon Creech writes about relationships is as spicy and comforting as a good pot of soup. In her newest novel, Granny Torrelli Makes Soup, she uses two tasty main ingredients. The first is twelve-year-old Rosie. Rosie is concerned about her relationship with Bailey, a visually impaired boy with whom she's been friends since they were babies. Their birthdays are only a week apart and Rosie has always felt secure and comforted by their close friendship. "I pretended he was my brother, only he was better than a brother because I chose him and he chose me." But suddenly there are changes. Bailey's responses and her own surprise, confuse, and upset Rosie. It is obvious to readers that her insecurity, envy, confusion and self-consciousness are typical feelings adolescence stirs up. Most adolescents suffer in silence, but fortunate Rosie has a solution to her problems. Rosie has always cared for Bailey, but suddenly his need for independence and self-expression results in anger and withdrawal that hurts Rosie. Her confusion brings her to Granny Torrelli, the second special ingredient of Creech's book. Thank goodness for this loving Italian granny. She is always accessible and full of empathy. She offers instructive and entertaining stories from her own life and the wisdom of her views while preparing a big pot of soup, or mixing up pasta. Conversation happens more easily as Granny Torrelli and Rosie chop vegetables for zuppa! They fling these vegetables into the pot, and soon they simmer into "a good smell bubbling in the kitchen." It is only then that Granny Torrelli asks, "Okay Rose, what's going on with you?" She won't accept Rosie's typical teenage answer of, "Nothing's going on with me." Granny Torrelli is not fooled by Rosie's "smart head" and wonders again "what's making your eyes so inside-looking?" Mixing her charming Italian-flavored English with obvious caring, Granny Torrelli quickly gets to the heart of Rosie's problems. She listens attentively, offers parables from her own life, and then ladles out steaming soup. Her timing is perfect, whether she is adding ingredients, or leaving time for Rosie to sort herself out as she goes to the bathroom to "take a pause". Creech again triumphs at exposing the tender subtleties and delicacies of changing relationships through what she leaves unsaid. Granny Torrelli's stories are full of teaching, but both the wise elderly woman and the author leave room for the characters and the readers to draw their own conclusions. Readers will also find the form of the book pleasing, for Creech has organized this story into small delicious bites of short chapters with large margins. A sprinkling of illustrations by Chris Raschka adds zest. 2003, HarperCollins, $15.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Susie Wilde (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
   Booklist Book Review Stars, Sep. 1, 2003; United States
   Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson
   The Children's Literature Choice List, 2004; Children's Literature; United States
   Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2003; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
   Notable Children's Books, 2004; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
   Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, June 16, 2003; Cahners; United States
   School Library Journal Book Review Stars, July 2002; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
   Parent's Choice Award Recommended 2003 Fiction United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
   Arizona Young Readers' Award, 2006; Nominee; Intermediate Book; Arizona
   Beehive Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Children's Fiction; Utah
   Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Grades 4-6; Arkansas
   Emphasis on Reading, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 4-6; Alabama
   Emphasis on Reading Program, 2004-2005; Book List; Grades 4-6; Alabama
   Great Lakes Great Book Award, 2005; Nominee; Grades 4-5; Michigan
   Great Stone Face Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 4-6; New Hampshire
   Indian Paintbrush Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 4-6; Wyoming
   Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2005; Nominee; Grades 3-5; Kentucky
   Land of Enchantment Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Young Adult; New Mexico
   Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award, 2006; Nominee; Grades 3-5; Louisiana
   Maine Student Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Maine
   Massachusetts Children's Book Award, 2005-2006; Master List; Grades 4-6; Massachusetts
   Maud Hart Lovelace Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Grades 3-5; Minnesota
   North Carolina Children's Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Junior Books; North Carolina
   Rebecca Caudill Award, 2006; Nominee; Grades 4-8; Illinois
   Rhode Island Children's Book Award, 2005; Nominee; Grades 3-6; Rhode Island
   Sequoyah Book Award, 2006; Nominee; Children's Book; Oklahoma
   South Carolina Children's Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; South Carolina
   Virginia Young Readers Program, 2005-2006; Nominee; Middle School Level; Virginia
   Volunteer State Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Intermediate Division; Tennessee
   West Virginia Children's Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; West Virginia
   Young Hoosier Book Award, 2005-2006; Nominee; Intermediate; Indiana
   Young Reader's Choice Award, 2006; Nominee; Grades 4-6; Pacific Northwest
ISBN: 0060292903
ISBN: 0060292911

Gus and Grandpa Go Fishing
Claudia Mills
Pictures by Catherine Stock
   Gus and his family, which includes his Grandpa, are getting ready for a day of fishing. It is exciting because Gus has never been fishing before. Grandpa brought along two old fishing poles while Gus's Dad had a brand new set of gear that he had ordered from a catalog. Grandpa taught Gus how to cast and that was so much fun to practice that Gus kept it up for a long time. He wasn't sure that catching a fish would be as much fun, but finally he did try his hand at fishing. Grandpa caught a fish and everyone cheered. Dad was still trying to figure out how to use his fancy new fishing gear. Finally Gus got a bite, but the fish got away. Later in the afternoon after a delicious picnic, Gus caught a fish. Mom and Dad and Skipper the family dog went for a walk, but Gus and Grandpa "the family fishermen" went back to the lake to see if they could catch a few more. Mills has written another delightful intergenerational story and offered an experience that many city kids may never get to enjoy. It brought back memories of the many times I went fishing with my uncle on a lake near the Delaware Water Gap. Stock's loose watercolor illustrations deftly capture all the nuances of the story and definitely make readers feel that they are part of the scene. 2003, Farrar Stauss Giroux, $15.00. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson
ISBN: 0374328153

Halmoni's Day
Edna Coe Bercaw
Pictures by Robert Hunt
   A Korean grandmother visits her American granddaughter, Jennifer, just before Grandparents Day, when all grandparents will receive awards in her class. Jennifer is worried that the Korean-speaking Halmoni will not fit in with the other modern grandparents of her classmates. She is also worried about not being able to communicate with her grandmother. Although Halmoni does not speak English and dresses in silk gowns, she develops a special relationship with Jennifer through gestures, facial expressions and translations by Jennifer's mother. The poignant text is given luster through full-page pictures painted with oil on paper. This touching story will resonate with many readers in this country of immigrants. 2000, Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Putnam, $15.99. Ages 4 to 9. Reviewer: Jeanne K. Pettenati, J.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2001; Bank Street College of Education; United States
   Children's Books on Aging, 2004; ALSC American Library Association; United States
   Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
   Kirkus Book Review Stars, July 1, 2000; United States
   Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, 2001; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
   Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2001; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
   Sharing Cultures: Asian American Children's Authors, 2001; ALSC American Library Association; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
   South Carolina Book Awards, 2003; Nominee; Children's Book; South Carolina
   Volunteer State Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades K-3; Tennessee
ISBN: 0803724446
ISBN: 0803724454

Hooray for Grandparents' Day!
Nancy Carlson
   Poor Arnie has no grandparents to invite to the school's celebration of Grandparents' Day. The other children are so excited to have a way of honoring their grandparents, but Arnie feels left out. He has no grandparents and wonders what he can do on that important day. The librarian suggests he invite a friendly neighbor. Arnie likes the idea and spends all day writing his invitation. He tries to deliver it only to find the neighbors are away and won't be back in time for the celebration. Arnie goes to school feeling sad because he will be the only one who has no grandparents at school. But, when the time comes to welcome the grandparents, Arnie is surprised and happy that he has so many friends who are willing to be his grandparents for a day. The illustrations, by Nancy Carlson, are charming and reflect the good will of all the diverse neighbors who want to help Arnie on this important day. 2000, Puffin/Penguin/Putnam, $5.99. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Jennie Jennings DeGenaro (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0-14-230125-6
ISBN: 0-670-88876-1

The Hurrying Child
Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Stephen T. Johnson
   Maddy's relationship with her grandmother has been a close one ever since the day the girl was born. Now, she asks to hear that story again, so Grandma pulls Maddy into her lap and begins the tale. It was ten days before the birth was expected when Maddy's mother felt the baby coming. Three states away, Grandma got the call and immediately launched into action. She packed a quick bag, grabbed her knitting, and headed for the train. As Grandma hurried towards the hospital, Maddy was doing some hurrying of her own. In her apparent eagerness to be born, Maddy reveals herself to be a "hurrying child," and all around her--from her mother and father to the doctors and nurses at the hospital--hurry, too, to meet her. But, as shown in the illustrations, no one is actually hurrying quite so much as Grandma, who arrives just in time to wrap the baby in her newly-knitted blanket and give her freshly-born face a loving kiss. Children like to hear stories about their birth. Jane Yolen's tale is a sweet account of one child's entry into the world that will give parents and children (or grandparents and children) who share the book an opportunity to talk about the day they met, too. Kay Chorao's soft illustrations are warm with a nostalgic glow. Given all of the "hurrying" in the story, they have a reassuring feel to them. 2005, Gulliver/Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewer: Heidi Hauser Green (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0152018131

I Loved You Before You Were Born
Anne Bowen
Illustrated by Greg Shed
   "Even before you were born, I was your grandma and I loved you." So begins this lovely picture book about a grandmother's dreams for her soon-to-be-born grandchild. The story takes her from feeling the baby kick inside the mother to imagining the birth, and then capturing in her mind's eye the cake that the child will smear on her face at her first birthday party. The grandmother's dreams are as specific as seeing "hands spread out, like little starfish" and toes like "pink pearls on a necklace." The illustrations are a reflection of the lyrical text. The pastel shades are muted and dreamy, yet realistic. The diapers on the tiny newborn's legs, for example, sag. In another picture the eyes capture beautifully the look of a baby surprised after rolling over for the first time. This gentle, loving book is delightful bedtime reading. It is also perfect for every child who ever demanded "tell me about when I was a baby." 2003 (orig. 2001), HarperCollins, $7.99. Ages All. Reviewer: Stephanie Farrow (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-051587-2

Icy Watermelon
Mary Sue Galindo
Illustrations by Pauline Rodriguez Howard--Sandía fría / por Mary Sue Galindo; ilustraciones por Pauline Rodriguez Howard
   This charming family story oozes love, laughter and good memories on every page. Grandma has brought a surprise for her grandchildren. Through a riddle, the children discover that the surprise is fresh watermelon. As they share the juicy slices, Grandpa recounts how he and his father used to sell watermelon from the back of a truck in the neighborhood. One day, as they sold a melon to a young girl, her frisky dog jumped into the truck. A watermelon hit the ground and split open. Now she had to pay for two melons. But the event sparked a romance between the two young people, which eventually led to marriage. The soft, colored pencil illustrations give the reader an intimate look at a loving, happy, Hispanic family. The text is given in both Spanish and English and is cleverly separated by spot art showing the watermelons in the garden, then in slices and then as bites are taken, until all that is left are the rinds and seeds. This is a good example of how a simple anecdote from family history can lead to a wonderful story. 2001, Piñata Books, $14.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Marianne Mitchell (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature, 2000; Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (CLASP); Commended; United States
   The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
   Growing Up Latino in the U.S.A., 2004; ALSC American Library Association; United States
ISBN: 1558853065

In the Piney Woods
Roni Schotter
Pictures by Kimberly Bulcken Root
   Schotter has drawn on experiences of her own to construct this tale of death and rebirth in the sandy Pine Barrens. An extended family lives in a wooden house built long ago by Grandpa, who loves to walk in the pine woods with his granddaughter Ella, teller of the story. He shows her how the cones of the dwarf pitch pines are tightly closed, waiting for a fire to release their seeds and clear the forest floor. As Grandpa grows feebler, older sister Sada awaits the birth of her baby. When a forest fire finally rages, Ella helps to fight it in place of her grandfather, who lives just long enough to see a pinecone opened by the heat and flames. The baby is born and a tiny seedling pine pushes its way out of the ground on Grandpa's grave. The text emphasizes family closeness and resourcefulness, grief at the loss of a member, and the healing power of nature, both in the birth of a baby and in the renewal of the pine forest. Kimberly Root's lovely illustrations, full of blues and browns, evoke the landscape of twisted trees, sand, and water. Each character is lovingly portrayed and distinctively dressed; young readers will enjoy deciphering the sisters' T-shirts with their regional messages like "Clam Box" or "Captain John's Charter." This is a very satisfying tale and a fresh addition to the literature of grandparent-grandchild relationships and the inevitable sadness of their endings. 2003, Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 0374336237

Katie's Sunday Afternoon
James Mayhew
   Young Katie continues her adventures at the art museum begun in earlier books like Katie and the Sunflowers. On a hot day, when they find the swimming pool full of people, Katie and her grandmother decide to come back later and, meanwhile, spend some time at the art gallery. While grandma dozes, Katie follows the sign to "Pointillism." Seurat's Bathers at Asnières looks just too tempting. Katie climbs into the picture, puts on her swim suit, and splashes in the water. Next she joins the hot folks in Seurat's Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. She invites them to cool off in the gallery where she has spilled water from the earlier picture. A boat from Seurat's Port of Honfleur takes them safely back to their painting. Katie also finds Pissarro's Woman Hanging up the Wash and Signac's Portrait of Felix Feneon useful for putting everyone and everything back to normal. Once again Mayhew's imaginative exploitations of the subjects in paintings begin with his careful replication of the originals. Then his visual magic creates appealing adventures, in which his paints treat the art objects and subject respectfully, while inviting readers to come closer to the originals than is possible in museum visits. There are also additional facts about the artists included. All the "Katie" books are pleasing, imaginative resources for art appreciation. 2004, Orchard Books/Scholastic, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).

   This is the fourth in author James Mayhew's series of "Katie" books, about a little girl who magically enters whatever painting she happens to be viewing. In this title, it is a hot Sunday afternoon, and the pool is too crowded. Katie and her grandmother step into the cool precincts of the art gallery. While Grandma takes a little nap, Katie decides to go swimming anyway, by climbing into Georges Seurat's pointillist masterpiece, Bathers at Asnières. But disaster follows, as Katie sits down on a corner of the painting's frame, and water begins to spill out into the gallery. Characters from other pointillist paintings are soon caught up in the watery fun, and ultimately all is restored to normal by the magician-like subject of Paul Signac's Portrait of Felix Feneon. A fun and educational introduction to pointillism, this is a delightfully-illustrated picture book for early grade-school readers. Brief biographical sketches of the artists whose works are depicted are included in the back of the book. 2004, Orchard Books, $16.95. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Michele Tremaine (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0439606780

Keeping Up with Grandma
John Winch
   As this amusing Australian picture book begins, we are introduced to a busy Grandpa and a busy and more adventurous Grandma, who are involved in painting and baking, respectively. Eager to try new things, Grandma persuades Grandpa to attempt activities such as mountain climbing, spelunking, sledding and modern dance, with humorously negative results on Grandpa's part. Winch's large, lively paintings with unusual perspectives, combined with a brief, comically-understated text, make for a book with a unique, quirky charm. This book should help dispel stereotypes about helpless, sickly "little old ladies." 2000, Holiday House, $16.95. Ages 4 to 9. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Children's Books on Aging, 2004; ALSC American Library Association; United States
ISBN: 0823415635

Kids And Grandparents: An Activity Book
Ann Love & Jane Drake
Illustrated by Heather Collins
   As explained in the brief introduction, this large-format activity book is filled with activities that kids can do with their grandparents, which encourage them to "Have fun with your grandparents and find out lots about yourself and your family at the same time." The activities are divided up into sections--making memories, fun and games, crafts and family food. Although the text is aimed at school-age kids, many of the activities could be adapted for use with younger children as well. The activities seem nicely varied as to amount of physical energy required, ranging from quiet sedentary card games, to more active cooking and travel-related projects. Occasional sidebars offer interesting information on related topics such as terms for relationships and genealogy. An index and many drawings and diagrams are included. 1999, Kids Can Press, $17.95 and $10.95. Ages 4 up. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2001; Bank Street College of Education; United States
   Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 1550747843
ISBN: 1550744925

Liliana's Grandmothers
Leyla Torres
   Lucky Liliana, she has two grandmothers to spend time with. Grandma Mima lives nearby and Liliana often visits to spend time quilting, working on crossword puzzles, enjoying seasonal activities and listening to Grandma read stories after school. Grandma Gabina lives in another country where it is warm throughout the year. Liliana visits her for several weeks at a time and enjoys the different food, Grandma Gabina's gardens and her wonderful stories. Throughout the warmhearted tale the author/illustrator contrasts and compares the similarities and differences of the two grandmothers and their lifestyles, but one thread is consistent--the intergenerational love between granddaughter and grandmother. The soft watercolors depict cozy scenes in the colder climate and do the same for the tropical setting where Grandma Gabina lives. A lovely book, one grandmothers may wish to share with their granddaughters. 1998, Farrar Straus Giroux, $16.00. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
   Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature, 1998; Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (CLASP); Commended; United States
   The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1999; Bank Street College of Education; United States
   Growing Up Latino in the U.S.A., 2004; ALSC American Library Association; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
   Society of School Librarians International Book Awards Honor 1999 Social Studies: K-6 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
   Georgia Children's Literature Awards, 2000; Nominee; Grades K-4; Georgia
ISBN: 0374351058

Lily's Garden
Deborah Kogan Ray
   Lily's grandparents have gone to California and it will be a year before she sees them again. During the twelve-month separation, they share treats and gardening advice. In January, Lily receives oranges from her grandparents and in February, she helps her dad tap trees to make maple syrup to send to California. Throughout the year Lily plans, plants, weeds, and harvests a variety of fruits and vegetables. In addition to the story, the spreadsheet for each month offers the reader a text box loaded with information. In July, readers learn about watermelons, August includes a recipe for blueberry pancakes, and September features apples. By Christmas, Lily is anxiously awaiting the arrival of her beloved grandparents and the reader learns about various types of evergreens. Follow Lily throughout the year as she learns and shares her findings about nature. Lovely pencil and pastel illustrations capture the essence of each season and invite readers to share in the cycle of planting and harvesting. Ray's lovely book will surely tap the interest of young gardeners and their grandparents. 2002, Roaring Brook Press/Millbrook Press, $23.90. Ages 4 to 9. Reviewer: Laura Hummel (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0761315934
ISBN: 0761326537

A Little Bit Of Trouble
Sally Grindley
Illustrated by Eleanor Taylor
   It's another set of three bears from Britain, this time a genial grandfather and two giddy cubs that set off for a picnic on a sunny day. Grandfather has packed sandwiches, chocolates, and cupcakes; they take the cat; the countryside teems with bees and butterflies. As cupcakes spill from the picnic basket and the cubs swing on a pasture gate, Grandfather is oblivious to a huge gray bull hovering in the background, while the mischievous cubs end up feeding cakes and sandwiches to a family of ducks. It's so warm and peaceful Grandfather dozes off until the bull charges through the picnic, scattering food and plates. Grandfather is, of course, equal to the challenge and the cubs can take care of themselves. What a perfect day, Grandfather decides, except for "our little bit of trouble." A large format and big, round, furry Grandfather make the cheerful watercolors perfect for a read-aloud; the abundance of detail allows young bear fanciers to explore each picture while browsing or reading one-on-one with an adult. Checking out details of Grandfather's kitchen, watching the cubs drop acorns from a tree, and tracking the bull as he comes ever nearer make for good fun and a satisfying ending as the weary trio climb the hill to their cabin after the day's adventure. Both silly cubs and unflappable Grandfather will add their slightly eccentric English charm to any collection of bear books for young readers. 2004, Bloomsbury, $16.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).

   "We're ready, my little bears," says amiable Grandfather Bear as he finishes packing lunch in his backpack and they set off for their picnic. Happily chatting, walking along, he is oblivious to the mischief the two little bears and the accompanying cat are into, or to what else is going on--in the illustrations--as he sets up the picnic by the water. After they eat, while he has "a little doze in the sun," an escaped bull charges the picnic basket. Grandpa bravely shoos away the bull, who has only come to take his calves back to the meadow, and praises the cubs for hiding in the tree, where they had been anyway. The "little bit of trouble" has not spoiled the perfect day. The lively double-page watercolor scenes are the action, the counterpoint to the text of Grandpa's mumblings. They are loaded with details of three simultaneous stories: the inattentive Grandpa, the playful cubs, and the bull. Taylor adds the whole bovine family and the cat to spice up the fun in the visual narrative. This is a sequel to the same team's No Trouble at All. 2004, Bloomsbury Children's Books, $16.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1582348820

A Long Way From Chicago: A Novel In Stories
Richard Peck
   Each summer during the Great Depression, Joey and his sister Mary Alice board a train in Chicago and travel halfway to St. Louis to visit their grandma in a small town in Illinois. There they meet an interesting cast of characters, from the corpse of Shotgun Cheatham, to the bad Cowgill boys who blow up mailboxes and overturn outhouses, to Vandalia Eubanks and the phantom brakeman. Every year they learn a little more about their spunky grandmother through her unusual and intriguing interactions with the townsfolk. Peck brings the time period to life through small details, such as selecting a bottle of orange soda from a "sheet-metal vat of ice water with a bottle opener hanging down on a piece of twine," as well as via major symbols of the time such as drifters, gangsters, and that new mode of transportation, the airplane. Warmly nostalgic, beautifully written, humorous, and full of thought-provoking interpersonal relationships. 1998, Dial, $15.99. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
   Best Books for Young Adults, 1999; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
   The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1999; Bank Street College of Education; United States
   Booklist Book Review Stars, September 1, 1998; United States
   Books for You: An Annotated Booklist for Senior High, Fourteenth Edition, 2001; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
   Books to Read Aloud to Children of All Ages, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
   Books in the Middle: Outstanding Books, 1998; Voice of Youth Advocates; United States
   Children's Books on Aging, 2004; ALSC American Library Association; United States
   Capitol Choices, 1998; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
   Children's Books of Distinction, 1999; Riverbank Review; United States
   Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
   The Children's Literature Choice List, 1999; Children's Literature; United States Fanfare Honor List, 1998; Horn Book; United States
   Kirkus Book Review Stars, 1998; United States
   Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000; H.W. Wilson; United States
   Notable Books for Children, 1999; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
   Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, 1999; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
   Parent's Guide to Children's Media, 1999; Parent's Guide to Children's Media, Inc.; United States
   Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
   School Library Journal Book Review Stars, October 1998; Cahners; United States
   Young Adults' Choices, 2000; International Reading Association; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
   Beehive Award Winner 2001 Grades 7-12 Utah
   Jefferson Cup Award Worthy of Special Note 1999 United States
   John Newbery Medal Honor Book 1999 United States
   NAIBA Book of the Year Award Winner 1999 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
   Arizona Young Readers' Award, 2002; Nominee; Teen Books; Arizona
   Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, 2000-2001; Nominee; Grades 6-8; Maryland
   Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, 2000; Nominee; Vermont
   Flicker Tale Children's Book Award, 2001; Nominee; Juvenile; North Dakota
   Iowa Children's Choice Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Iowa
   Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Grades 6-8; Kentucky
   Maine Student Book Award, 1999-2000; Nominee; Maine
   Massachusetts Children's Book Award, 2002; Nominee; Massachusetts
   Nutmeg Children's Book Award, 2002; Nominee; Connecticut
   Prairie Pasque Award, 2001; Nominee; South Dakota
   Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award, 2001; Nominee; Illinois
   Rhode Island Teen Book Award, 2001; Nominee; All Teens; Rhode Island
   Soaring Eagle Book Award, 2000-2001; Nominee; Grades 7-12; Wyoming
   South Carolina Book Awards, 2001; Nominee; Children's Book; South Carolina
   South Carolina Book Awards, 2001; Nominee; Junior Book; South Carolina
   Sunshine State Young Reader's Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Grades 6-8; Florida
   Utah Children's Book Awards, 2001; Nominee; Young Adult; Utah
   William Allen White Children's Book Award, 2000-2001; Nominee; Grades 6--8; Kansas
   Young Reader's Choice Award, 2001; Nominee; Grades 4-8; Pacific Northwest
ISBN: 0803722907

Lots of Grandparents
Shelley Rotner and Sheila Kelly
Photographs by Shelley Rotner
   Whether called abuelos and abuelas, Nanas and Papas, or by other names, and whether young or old, grandparents are a cause for celebration. The simple text is complemented by a montage of real-life photographs by Shelley Rotner that depict grandparents in all shapes, sizes and ethnic backgrounds. "Best of all," of course, "grandparents love their grandchildren." In an era when extended families often live far apart, the role of grandparents nevertheless remains important, whether they are passing on family histories or giving out presents. Younger readers particularly are likely to relate to the photographs of grandparents and grandchildren interacting at various levels together. The authors sensitively handle--but don't shy away from--the impact of advanced age and disability on grandparents' physical appearances and activity levels. 2001, Millbrook Press, $23.90. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Valerie O. Patterson (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Children's Books on Aging, 2004; ALSC American Library Association; United States
   Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
   Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2002; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
Standards of Learning Information
   Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2002; Culture-I; People, Places and Environments-III; Individuals, Groups and Institutions-V; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS
ISBN: 0761323139

Love, Ruby Lavender
Deborah Wiles
   Ruby lives in a small Southern town (Halleluia, MS) with only her mother, an extension agent for the County, but with her grandmother, Miss Eula, nearby. She and Miss Eula are very close and the book opens with them liberating (or stealing!) chickens from a farmer preparing to kill them. The story is set almost a year since Grandpa Garnet's death and we see Miss Eula and Ruby dealing very differently with their grief. Miss Eula decides to go to Hawaii on a real adventure to visit her son and her newborn granddaughter, Leilani. Clearly, the loss of Garnet has made Miss Eula want to wring as much out of life as she can. But her rather sudden departure leaves Ruby feeling lost and alone. She spends the long summer days at Miss Eula's house (the Pink Palace that she painted pink when Grandpa died) guarding her chickens and the eggs that one of them is hatching. Ruby has a dislike for a girl named Melba Jane that is completely mutual. Over the course of the story, we are given bits and pieces of the story of the fateful night that Ruby's grandfather and Melba's father ran off the road and were killed. Whose fault was it? Grandpa was driving and fell asleep at the wheel but why did they drive home so tired? No one will ever really know but we find that Ruby has felt responsible for the accident, as has Melba. With the help of Dove, a budding anthropologist bent on interviewing everyone in sight, Melba and Ruby begin to understand what they can never really understand. The story is about giving away your anger and opening your heart to others who hurt. The title refers to the closing of the letters that Ruby and Miss Eula exchange even when they're living in close proximity, but also to the letters that they exchange when Miss Eula is in Hawaii and Ruby is on her own at home alone. I loved that the letters often crossed in the mail, which suggested that writing is not just to exchange information but it is also cathartic. I loved this one! 2001, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Joan Kindig, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Amelia Bloomer Project, 2002; American Library Association-SRRT; United States
   The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
   Capitol Choices, 2001; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
   Children's Book Sense 76 Picks, Spring/Summer 2001; Book Sense 76; United States
   Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
   Notable Books for Children, 2002; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
   Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts, 2002; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
   Parent's Guide to Children's Media, 2001; Parent's Guide to Children's Media, Inc.; United States
   School Library Journal Book Review Stars, April 2001; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
   Society of School Librarians International Book Awards Honor 2001 Language Arts - K-6 Novels United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
   Arizona Young Readers' Award, 2004; Nominee; Intermediate Books; Arizona
   Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Grades 4 - 6; Maryland
   California Young Reader Medal, 2005-2006; Nominee; Intermediate; California
   Emphasis on Reading, 2003; Nominee; Grades 4-6; Alabama
   Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, 2003; Nominee; Vermont
   Georgia Children's Book Award, 2003-2004; Nominee; Georgia
   Massachusetts Children's Book Award, 2003; Nominee; Massachusetts
   The Nene Award, 2003; Nominee; Hawaii
   North Carolina Children's Book Award, 2003; Nominee; Junior Books; North Carolina
   Nutmeg Children's Book Award, 2004; Nominee; Connecticut
   Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award, 2004; Nominee; Illinois
   Rhode Island Children's Book Award, 2003; Nominee; Rhode Island
   The Sasquatch Reading Award, 2004; Nominee; Washington
   Sunshine State Young Reader's Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 3-5; Florida
   South Carolina Book Awards, 2003-2004; Nominee; Children's Book Award; South Carolina
   Utah Children's Book Awards, 2003; Nominee; Children's Fiction; Utah
   Virginia Young Readers Program, 2003-2004; Nominee; Elementary (Grades 3-5); Virginia
   Volunteer State Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 4-6; Tennessee
   Young Hoosier Book Award, 2004; Nominee; Intermediate Book (Grades 4-6); Indiana
ISBN: 0152023143

Lucy Rose: Big on Plans
Katy Kelly
   Lucy Rose is a most appealing character; she is spunky, bright, helpful, infinitely curious, and eager to do things well. In this title, the second in the series, school is out and Lucy Rose begins summer vacation by confiding in her new journal that she is big on plans. One of her plans is "to write down what happens in my almost never boring life." Her journal records many happy adventures that often include her friends Jonique and Melonhead, some problems such as what to do about a girl at the Park and Rec program who goes out of her way to be mean, and, of course, her plans. Some of Lucy Rose's plans end in disaster, like when she twice tries to save her grandparents' apricot crop from the squirrels. Lucy Rose's parents are separated. She lives with her mother in Washington D.C. and spends a lot of time with her near-by grandparents, Madam and Pop. Her father lives in their old home in Ann Arbor. He is planning a big birthday adventure for her ninth birthday. She hopes that means a reconciliation with her mother. The journal ends the day before school starts as Lucy Rose deals with news of her parents' plans. I hope Lucy Rose's plans include writing many more journals. Children will surely like her as much as I do. 2005, Delacorte Press, $12.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Janet Crane Barley (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 038573204X
ISBN: 0385902352

Meet My Grandmother. She's a Deep-Sea Explorer
Lisa Tucker McElroy (with help from Russell T. Mead)
Photographs by Joel Benjamin and Mark Gardner
   It is a fun classroom project when students get to think about the importance of their grandparents and their contributions to our society. Lisa Tucker McElroy has created a useful tool for such a project or classroom theme. Along with other books of the "Grandmothers at work" series, Ms. McElroy's book takes a look at a grandmother in a not-so-usual occupation. Follow along as Russell Mead introduces us to his grandmother, Sylvia Earle, a deep-sea explorer. With interesting text and numerous photographs, we see the important work Ms. Earle does and how proud Russell is of his grandmother. Ms. McElroy effectively conveys young Russell's words and thoughts, giving great detail regarding his grandmother's occupation. While the information in the book only scratches the surface of deep-sea exploration, it will definitely spark the interest of a child, and encourage them to find out more about this amazing occupation. 2000, The Millbrook Press, $22.90. Ages 3 to 10. Reviewer: John D. Orsborn (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0761317201

My Grandma Is Coming To Town
Anna Grossnickle Hines
Illustrated by Melissa Sweet
   Grandma lives far away and hasn't seen her grandson, Albert, in a long time. When Albert is a baby, Grandma visits him and teaches him to play "Pat-a-cake." After she goes home, his version "Patta, patta" and "Rolla, rolla" becomes their special greeting on the telephone. They not only talk regularly, they send each other notes and surprises. Finally, one day Grandma sends Albert a variation on a nursery rhyme to let him know she will soon fly to see him on a big airplane. Albert is eager to see her and makes a fancy welcome sign for her. But when she shows up, he suddenly feels very shy and he can't talk to her. Grandma understands and doesn't push him. Before too long, Albert figures out what to do. He calls her on his toy phone. She answers, using a banana from a nearby bowl of fruit as her telephone. After they've gone through their "Patta, patta" "Rolla, rolla" routine, Albert's shyness is gone. The author, who has written or illustrated more than 50 books for children, has a grandson who lived far away when he was born and she taught him "Pat-a-cake." When she was reading another story aloud to children, their comments about distant grandparents inspired this story. Ms. Sweet, who has illustrated numerous books, says because she was a shy child, she could understand what Arthur was feeling and that empathy shows in her drawings. 2003, Candlewick Press, $13.99. Ages 1 to 6. Reviewer: Janet Crane Barley (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
   Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson
ISBN: 0763612375

My Grandmother Is a Singing YaYa
Karen Scourby D'Arc
Illustated by Diane Palmisciano
   Although Lulu loves to hear her Greek grandmother sing at home, she is embarrassed when her yaya bursts into song in public places. Apprehensive at the Grandparents Day picnic, she manages to keep Yaya quiet until they finish their Greek delicacies; but then Yaya sings aloud. To Lulu's surprise, everyone enjoys the joyous outpourings of the irrepressible songbird, and Lulu finally accepts it. Cartoon-y, pastel colored oil drawings full of comic verve are appropriate for the good-natured fun and for the actions of the rest of the cast of characters. The love of Lulu and her grandmother shines through it all. 2001, Orchard Books/Scholastic, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).

   Lulu's exuberant Greek grandmother loves life and she expresses this joy with singing. Lulu appreciates her singing when they are alone, but she is sometimes embarrassed when Yaya breaks into song when they are out shopping or riding a bus. Lulu knows she will have a good time with Yaya at the school Grandparents' Day, but she is concerned about the possibility of Yaya singing at inappropriate times. She manages to keep Yaya distracted during the games and races but when the picnic begins, Yaya cannot contain herself any longer and begins singing about her love for Lulu. Lulu does not have time to be embarrassed, however. The school principal announces that the school is celebrating its fiftieth birthday and asks Yaya to lead the singing of "Happy Birthday." Everyone is delighted. The colorful pictures capture the joy of this special relationship between a cautious granddaughter and a loving grandmother. Readers will be tempted to join in the singing. 2001, Orchard/Scholastic, $15.95. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 0-439-29309-X

My Grandparents And I/Mis Abuelos Y Yo
Samuel Caraballo
   The little boy in this sweet book gives a praiseful account of the value and worth of his grandparents. This book would be an asset to English and Spanish reader. Children learning to speak English as a second language could also benefit from this bilingual reader. The juxtaposition of text is simple for the young reader because of the side by side Spanish and English versions. Teachers and children alike can make comparisons of both languages in this rhyming text. The first and last pages of this rhyming text end with "My grandparents are my universe. They are my rosy bouquet, my favorite musical verse, and my most prized treasure." The story--presented in both English and Spanish--is a tribute to grandparents that would make anyone who has a grandchild proud. As for any grandchild, it will make him or her mindful of their own grandparents. The colorful illustrations portray the setting of Puerto Rico with examples of El Morro, the cruise liners that dock at the ports, and the sprays of jasmine flowers on a summer day. This is a welcome addition to the multicultural classroom. 2004, Pinata Books, $14.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Rosa Roberts (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-55885-407-X

My Grandson Is a Genius!
Giles Andreae
Illustrated by Sue Hellard
   In brief verses a grandfather extols the virtues of his two-year-old grandson. He's scientific, he is musical, he will soon be in the Olympics, he is a master painter. While grandpa brags in the text, we are treated to Hellard's illustrations of the normal behavior of a lively youngster: shoving gooey toast into the video player, banging on pots and pans, even addressing those around while on the potty. His accompanying dog adds to the fun. Lively colored drawings offer considerable details in scenes such as the double-page crowded supermarket or the dumping of cereal on the grandson's head. The fact that the parents say he's "a bit like me" might have something to do with the genuine affection that comes clearly through. Sentimental adults should love this; kids may not see the humor, but the characters are very appealing. 2003, Bloomsbury Children's Books, $15.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-58234-815-4

My Grandmother's Clock
Geraldine McCaughrean
Illustrated by Stephen Lambert
   Time is more than the hours and minutes shown on the face of a clock, as a young girl discovers in this lovely story. She wonders why the hands never move on the grandfather's clock in her grandmother's home, so she opens the door to see what is inside the clock and finds only an umbrella, a walking stick, and a picture of King Zog. She tells her grandparents that the clock must be fixed, but they disagree. Granddad insists that the clock tells the right time twice a day and Grandma says she has other ways to tell the time. Seconds are counted by the beating of her heart and minutes measured by "how long it takes to think a thought and put it into words." An hour is enough time for the bath water to go cold and Grandma knows the days by what happens in her neighborhood and the years by how the little girl has grown. Nonetheless, the child insists that Grandma does need the grandfather clock. Why? The story is brought full circle by her response, "Where else would you keep your umbrella and Grandpa's walking stick and the picture of King Zog?" This relaxed approach to the subject of time is welcome in this era when so many children, as well as adults, live their lives on tight schedules. 2002, Clarion/Houghton Mifflin, $15.00. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford (Children's Literature).

   When our young narrator wonders why her Grandma doesn't fix the grandfather clock in her house, Grandma lyrically describes for her the many other ways she has to tell time. The day is over, for example, "when your mother kisses you good night." For the days of the week, she has the smell of baking on Monday to family gatherings on Sunday. The tides keep Moon Time. The seasons "are easy," from spring blossoms to winter when "your breath turns to dragon smoke." As she goes on to the centuries, she notes that "Time's just too big to fit inside any watch or clock." Lambert's soft-edged scenes of a seaside house and rolling country landscape with interactive characters include just enough details to set the stage. Colors provide emotional underpinnings for the concepts. The "autumn trees on fire" radiate in cloud-like masses of red-orange dominating the double page. A brief story filled with food for thought and discussion. 2002, Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Company, $15.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 0618216952

My Great-Grandmother's Gourd
Cristina Kessler
Illustrated by Walter Lyon Krudop
   Fatima, the heroine, lives in Sudan and she remembers the day a shinning pump was attached to the village well. In a series of sensory details, Fatima pulls down the pump's "long handle, so hard and smooth," and "a soft creaking noise fills the silence" to release a stream of clear water and celebration marked by cheering and beating drums. But as people push forward, Fatima pushes "outward to find my grandmother." Fatima's grandmother mourns the passing of a way of life when the baobab stored water. Out of respect and love, Fatima follows her grandmother's traditions and when the pump breaks, villagers who have jeered, respect the older woman. The tenderness of the intergenerational relationship, the strength of characters and how the author achieved story success are all elements worth discussing with children. 2000, Orchard, $17.99 and $16.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Susie Wilde (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2001; Bank Street College of Education; United States
   Lasting Connections, 2000; American Library Association; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
   Children's Africana Book Award Honor 2001 United States
ISBN: 0531302849
ISBN: 0531332845

Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs
Written and Illustrated by Tomie DePaola
   As a young boy, Tomie loved to visit his grandmother and great-grandmother. They lived in the same house and he called them Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs. During his Sunday visits with his great-grandmother, he would eat mint candy and listen to her stories about the "Little People." When she napped so did he, and to him she was a beautiful and wonderful woman. Then she died, but for Tomie, she would always live in his memories. The same was true of his grandmother who died many years later when Tomie was grown up. It is a heartwarming but sad story about love among the generations and facing the reality that death is part of the cycle of life. It is a gentle approach that can help children and encourage them upon the loss of a relative to hold and cherish those memories of wonderful times together. 1998 (orig. 1973), Putnam, $15.99. Ages 4 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
ISBN: 0399231080

No Trouble at All
Sally Grindley
Illustrated by Eleanor Taylor
   Grandfather Bear insists his grandchildren are "No trouble at all" when they visit. In the very brief text, he tells us how well they behave, as he plans treats for them. The illustrations, however, tell a different story. Young readers will surely giggle as they watch the two mischief makers at play while the unobservant grandfather goes about his quiet routines. A black kitten sees it all but doesn't spoil the fun. Watercolor drawings fill the double pages with appealing scenes of pleasant, rustic living. 2002, Bloomsbury Children's Books, $15.95. Ages 2 to 6. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).

   How should a child react when the words and the pictures do not always agree? This picture book will show just this. The grandfather bear is talking about how the cubs are "no trouble at all" and never get into mischief. However, the illustrations show quite another story, as these little cubs have a pillow fight, eat the jam, and even sneak outside for a while. Does the grandfather know what really is going on? This delightful story will allow a young child to use his imagination as he looks at the beautiful drawings and watches what the cubs are doing while the grandfather thinks that they are sleeping. The drawings are large, and very bright and cheerful. 2002, Bloomsbury, $15.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Nicole Peterson (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1582347573

Nonna's Porch
Rita Gray
Illustrated by Terry Widener
   Nonna sits quietly rocking and knitting on the porch of her large house. The only sound is the creaking of her rocking chair and her busy needles. A red bird is singing nearby, a hungry fawn is eating flowers from her garden, and a chattering chipmunk is exploring her yarn basket. The silence is broken as Nonna's grandchildren run onto the porch. The animals scatter and the sounds of busy activity accompany Nonna's quiet rocking. Corn is shucked. Lemonade is made. Peas are snapped. Games are played. A family feast features good stories along with the yummy food. As the sun sets, Nonna returns to her porch and her knitting. The quiet is broken only by the sound of a cricket's call and the rustle of a raccoon looking for food. Nonna's heart keeps a steady beat as she rocks her grandson to sleep. Large double-spread illustrations introduce the story at sunrise and close it at dark. All of the other pages have a full color picture on the left side and a bordered detail illustration in the midst of the large text on the facing page. A cozy book to share with young children. 2004, Hyperion, $15.99. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7868-1613-9

Remembering Grandma
Teresa Armas
Illustrations by Pauline Rodriguez Howard
Spanish translation by Gabriela Baeza Ventura--Recordando a Abuela / por Teresa Armas; ilustraciones de Pauline Rodriguez Howard; traducción al español por Gabriela Baeza Ventura
   Armas has written a pleasant, but not unique book about the experience of missing a loved one. Lorena, a young girl, lost her grandmother a month ago. She misses her grandmother, who was her friend. One day, Lorena and her mother go to her grandparent's house in order to clean out her grandmother's things. Lorena's grandfather stares morosely out the window. Lorena tries to cheer him with a Spanish nursery rhyme, but without success, so she turns to cleaning out her grandmother's treasure trunk. Each item exposed revives joyful memories of life with Grandmother, and a straw gardening hat finally rouses Grandfather from his chair. He puts it on and begins to recount his wife's devotion to her garden. Lorena joins in reminiscing, and the two go into the garden where they realize that through Grandmother's floral legacy, they can feel close to her. Ventura's light-filled watercolors reinforce the joy possible in remembering a loved one. The plants and people move from a sedate gray palette to tropical sparkle as the characters realize that their beloved is not so inaccessible. This book provides a useful method for coping with a death in the family, and gives readers hope that their deceased relatives are not entirely lost. 2003, Piñata Books, $14.95. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Verónica Betancourt (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1558853448

Thank You, Grandpa
Lynn Plourde
Illustrated by Jason Cockcroft
   This story traces the lives of a girl and her grandfather as they grow and change over time. It begins with a description of their first walks together when the girl is just a toddler, highlighting their quests for dandelions and birds in the bushes. The girl is soon old enough to ask questions about what she sees. "What's that?" she queries as she sees a bumblebee, a snake, a squirrel, and a spider web. One day, the two find a grasshopper lying still in the leaves. The girl wonders what they can do. The grandfather replies, "We can say thank you and good-bye." They dig a hole and place the grasshopper inside, thanking the animal for its hops and bounces. As the years go by, they experience many other opportunities to say "thank you" and "good-bye," from the butterfly they find by the side of the road to the mouse in the snow to the firefly in the night. During their last walks together, Grandfather shuffles along holding the girl's hand. Soon, the girl walks alone. She remembers her Grandfather's lesson and reflects upon the gifts from him for which she is thankful--how he kept her steady when she wasn't steady, how he let her run ahead when she was ready, how he shared the world of nature, and how he taught her the words to say at this sad time. Thank you and good-bye. Through an impressionistic style, the illustrations present the natural world with a brightness and clarity that lends to the joy of the relationship shared by the young girl and her grandfather. Plourde has also captured the physical aging of each character, providing a sense of time and growth. Honest and touching without being overly sentimental. 2003, Dutton Children's Books, $15.99. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Wendy Glenn, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0525469923

That's What Grandparents Are For
Arlene Uslander
Illustrations by Freddie Levin
   The special bond between grandparents and grandchildren is celebrated as activities shared by the different generations are shown. The rhyming text begins with the joy of the grandchild's birth. It then features memories of shared times together. These include a trip to the zoo, planting a garden, going to the circus, fishing from a pier, a school visit, flying a kite, building a sand castle, the birth of a baby brother, creating a snowman, and going camping. The softly colored illustrations feature different sets of grandparents and children, depicting both grandmothers and grandfathers and including people from a variety of cultures. A comfortable book for intergenerational sharing. 2002, Peel Productions, $15.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0939217600

The Hello, Goodbye Window
Norton Juster
   A small child brings us along on a visit to Nanna and Poppy's house that begins with the wonder of the hello, goodbye window. Imagine a window where you can see Nanna and Poppy before they even see you! Everything about their house is intriguing to our narrator and her view of the world is at the heart of this tale. It is so deliciously typical of a three-year old to offer a line such as this: "When I get tired I come in and take my nap and nothing happens until I get up." The story ends with our heroine waving goodbye to her grandparents through the window. Just as the window is for hellos and goodbyes, her feelings run the gamut, too, from happy to sad. Raschka's illustrations are busy just as the child is and his depiction of the characters as bi-racial is so welcome. What a lovely message embedded in this child-visits-grandparents romp! 2005, Hyperion, $15.95. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Joan Kindig, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Booklist Book Review Stars , Mar. 15, 2005; United States
   Kirkus Book Review Stars, March 1, 2005; United States
   Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, February 21, 2005; Cahners; United States
   School Library Journal Book Review Stars, March 2005; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
   Boston Globe--Horn Book Awards Honor Book 2005 Picture Book United States
ISBN: 0-7868-0914-0

What Grandmas Do Best; What Grandpas Do Best
Laura Numeroff
Illustrated by Lynn Munsinger
   The list of what grandmas do best begins on one side of the book; what grandpas do best starts from the other side upside down, and they meet in the middle. The activities, ranging from playing and picnicking to napping, dancing, and singing lullabies, are simply stated and are the same for both. It is in the pictures of various anthropomorphic grandparents that the humor and the differences shine. And of course, what they all do best of all is "give you lots and lots of love." Munsinger has elephants and pigs among the represented males, and frogs and mice among the females. All are depicted with colored drawings of the loving pairs in the minimum settings. The contrasts in the same activities include Grandma's finger painting with Grandpa's easel and canvas; her neat sand castle with his more casual effort. Along with smiles, there's food for discussion in the differences. 2000, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $14.00. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
   Children's Choices, 2001; International Reading Association; United States
ISBN: 0689805527

When You Visit Grandma and Grandpa
Anne Bowen
Illustrations by Tomek Bogacki
   These days with families so far flung, Thanksgiving, the holiday season and summers become times to pack your bags and hobnob with relatives. A little girl prepares her baby brother--and young readers--for a big trip in When You Visit Grandma and Grandpa. Eagerly she recounts all the treats in store throughout the year--watching fireflies together, splashing through puddles (and not getting into trouble) and touching new snow smooth as "Grandma's buttercream frosting." The hard part, according to the young narrator, is the long car journey. To pass the time, she advises singing, pressing your nose against the window and asking, "How much longer 'til we get there?" Tomek Bogacki's warm-toned paintings join Anne Bowen's lyrical text to create a read-aloud treasure for the whole family. Kids will enjoy adding their own favorite memories of grandparents to the little girl's. 2004, Carolrhoda, $15.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).

   When is the best time to visit Grandma and Grandpa? Anytime! Follow a pigtailed girl as she explains to her baby brother the thrills and adventures awaiting them when they make the long car trip to Grandma and Grandpa's. No location is ever mentioned, but we can see it is an area with four seasons. Marvel at Grandpa's magic tricks in the spring, play hide and seek with Grandma in the summer, jump in a pile of leaves and carve pumpkins in the fall and make a snow fort bigger than last year's in the winter. The illustrations are kid-friendly, taking on the appearance of being drawn by a child but with much more detail. Whether or not it is a long ride to Grandma and Grandpa's everyone will recognize the anticipation created here as they approach Grandma and Grandpa's house, memorizing each detail until they are at the doorway and being hugged for a very long time. This will definitely give you a warm and fuzzy feeling all over! 2004, Carolrhoda Books, $15.95. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young (Children's Literature).

   It is the first time baby brother is going to go visit his grandparent's house so his older sister helps him prepare by telling him exactly what to expect on their trip. She cautions him that the ride in the car will be long but time will pass more quickly with games and books. The wait will be worth it, she tells him, because once they arrive at Grandma and Grandpa's, they will have the best time ever. She continues describing to her brother all the wonderful things they will get to do, like splash dance through puddles with Grandma, and sitting with Grandpa on the porch to watch the fireflies in the moonlight. This sweet story depicts a helpful and caring older sister and celebrates grandparents and the simple pleasures that can be gained by spending time with them. The illustrations are whimsical and bring this story to life in a softly beautiful way. 2004, Carolrhoda Books/Lerner Publishing Group, $15.95. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Jennifer Chambliss (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States
ISBN: 1575056100

With Love From Grandma
Harriet Ziefert
Illustrations by Deborah Kogan Ray
   In this reissue of a story in a story, grandma tells Katie the origin of the warm afghan she puts on Katie's bed on a cold snowy night. One summer when grandma was a little girl, she visited her own grandma who began knitting a colorful afghan. Katie's grandma helped pick out the colors and carefully watched the progress of the afghan. When the knitting was finished, the whole family joined in to sew it together. Now Katie has the afghan and will one day pass it on to her own children. Reminiscent of Patricia Polacco's The Keeping Quilt, the book conveys the power with which an object made with love can connect and bond the generations of a family. The rich colors in the illustrations mimic the colors in the afghan itself, and the facial similarities between the generations of family members are reflected in the family photographs on a table, and in the round faces of Katie and her relatives. The end papers show a variety of intricate crochet stitches. Appealing small details like the 1950's hood ornament on the car and the old fashioned telephone reflect the earlier time period. This warm and loving story will strike a familiar cord with legions of afghan-making grandmas out there. I know my children have one of them. 2004 (orig. 1989), Sterling Publishing, $9.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Quinby Frank (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-4027-1703-2

You Can't Take a Balloon Into The Museum of Fine Arts
Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman
Pictures by Robin Preiss Glasser
   A balloon escaping from two kids and their grandparents outside the Boston Museum of Fine Arts leads us on an exciting tour of the city, including the Public Library, the Public Gardens, the Statehouse, Quincy Market, and Fenway Park. As the children in the museum encounter famous art works, identified at the end, the chase takes us past parallel experiences in the city. Added to the zest of wordless adventure, the third in a series, is the challenge to find 33 hidden "legends" of Boston detailed on the back end-papers. Glasser exploits the large pages to frame her myriad episodes in a variety of sizes. Her colored fine line drawings are designed to provide accurate information about the city while keeping our emotions in high gear. The misadventures of this strong-willed green balloon are sure to provoke laughter and demand many re-readings, taking time to investigate the reproductions. A map on the front endpapers helps trace the journey. 2002, Dial Books for Young Readers/Penguin Putnam, $17.99. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Booklist Book Review Stars, Jun. 1, 2002; United States
   Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
   NAIBA Book of the Year Award Winner 2002 Picture Book United States
ISBN: 0803725701

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Updated 8/31/05

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